Domaine des Lambrays

The Domaine des Lambrays: A Treasure of Burgundy

The Domaine des Lambrays is one of the viticultural jewels of Burgundy, globally recognized for its exceptional wines from grand crus. This historic estate, nestled in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, produces refined wines that have captivated wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs for centuries. Exploring the rich history of this estate, its rigorous winemaking techniques, and the quality of its grape varieties, one discovers an authentic passion for the vine and wine. Today, you can purchase these prestigious wines directly online at 12bouteilles.com, a site specializing in grand crus and rare wines.

History of the Domaine des Lambrays

The Domaine des Lambrays has a rich history dating back several centuries. Founded in the Middle Ages, the estate is located in Morey-Saint-Denis, a renowned village in the Côte de Nuits, Burgundy. The main vineyard, the Clos des Lambrays, is mentioned as early as the 14th century, and its recognition as an exceptional terroir has continued to grow over the centuries.

The estate has experienced different periods of prosperity and decline but truly regained its momentum in the 19th century thanks to visionary owners who improved viticulture and winemaking methods. In 1981, the Clos des Lambrays was classified as a Grand Cru, the highest distinction in the Burgundy wine region, crowning centuries of refinement.

Today, the Domaine des Lambrays belongs to the LVMH group, which continues to enhance this unique heritage while respecting the traditional methods and exceptional terroir that make its wines renowned.

The estate is often seen as a symbol of the transmission of know-how through generations. Each owner has contributed to improving the quality of the wines produced. Since its acquisition by LVMH in 2014, particular attention has been paid to preserving the estate's identity, with investments in modern winemaking techniques while respecting traditional methods.

The Characteristics of the Wines of Domaine des Lambrays

The wines of Domaine des Lambrays are marked by their elegance, depth, and remarkable aging potential. The Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru is undoubtedly the most emblematic wine of the estate. It perfectly embodies the marriage between power and finesse, characteristics of the great wines of the Côte de Nuits.

Red Wines: The Excellence of Pinot Noir

Domaine des Lambrays primarily produces red wines from the Pinot Noir grape, Burgundy's flagship variety. Wines from this grape are renowned for their aromatic complexity and great aging potential.

• Aromas and Palate: The estate's wines often present aromas of red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, mingled with subtle notes of undergrowth, truffle, and spices. On the palate, they offer a fine structure with silky tannins and a beautiful length.
• Balance: One of the elements that distinguish the Clos des Lambrays is its perfect balance between acidity and richness of flavors. This makes it a wine that ages magnificently in the bottle, revealing even more complex aromas over the years.

White Wines: Freshness and Minerality

Although production is largely dominated by red wines, the estate also produces a white wine from the Chardonnay grape. This wine, produced in small quantities, is prized for its freshness and elegance. It is distinguished by its floral and fruity notes, with a touch of minerality characteristic of great white Burgundy wines.

Winemaking Techniques at Domaine des Lambrays

Winemaking at Domaine des Lambrays combines modern techniques with a deep respect for Burgundy's traditional methods. The goal is to reveal the purest expression of the terroir while preserving the natural balance of the wines.

Harvesting at the estate is done manually to ensure the quality of the grapes. A meticulous selection is carried out directly in the vineyards, then a second sorting of the clusters takes place in the winery to keep only the healthiest and ripest grapes.

The fermentation of red wines takes place in open vats, with regular punch-downs to promote the extraction of aromas and tannins. Maceration is long, allowing a great richness of flavors to be extracted while preserving the wines' elegance.

For the white wines, fermentation is done in oak barrels, which adds an extra dimension to the wine, notably in terms of texture and aromatic complexity.

The aging of red wines at Domaine des Lambrays is mainly done in French oak barrels, with a variable percentage of new barrels depending on the vintage. This crucial step refines the tannins and brings subtle aromas of vanilla, smoke, and spices without overpowering the fruity characteristics of the wine.

For the whites, barrel aging adds a subtle woody note while preserving the wine's liveliness and minerality.

Grape Varieties and Blends: The Nobility of Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is the king grape at Domaine des Lambrays. This delicate grape variety, often called "capricious," finds perfect expression on the estate's terroirs, which benefit from soil rich in clay and limestone.

Pinot Noir is a grape that requires much care and precision in its cultivation. The winemakers at Domaine des Lambrays take pride in working their vines according to environmentally friendly practices, paying great attention to each plot.

This grape brings to the estate's wines a fine tannic structure, a beautiful acidity, and a wide range of aromas ranging from young red fruits to more evolved notes like mushrooms and leather with age.

Food and Wine Pairings: Enhancing the Wines of Domaine des Lambrays

The wines of Domaine des Lambrays, particularly the Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru, are excellent table companions. Their aromatic complexity and balance allow them to pair with a wide variety of gourmet dishes.

Pairings with Red Wines

• Red Meats: Clos des Lambrays pairs perfectly with grilled or sauced red meats, such as beef bourguignon or leg of lamb.
• Game: Thanks to their structure and complex aromas, the estate's red wines wonderfully accompany game dishes, such as hare stew or roasted venison.
• Cheeses: A platter of Burgundy cheeses, including soft cheeses like Époisses or Chaource, will enhance the wine's fruity and spicy notes.

Pairings with White Wines

• Fish and Seafood: The estate's white wine pairs ideally with grilled fish or scallops.
• White Meats: It also marries well with white meats in sauce, such as creamy chicken or veal blanquette.
• Goat Cheeses: The minerality of the white wine echoes the freshness and acidity of fresh or aged goat cheeses.

Distinctions and Awards of Domaine des Lambrays

Domaine des Lambrays enjoys international recognition, both among wine enthusiasts and professional critics. The Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru has received numerous distinctions, notably from guides like Robert Parker and Wine Spectator, who regularly praise its finesse, structure, and aging potential.

The vintages of Clos des Lambrays often rank among the highest-rated wines in international tastings, confirming their status as essential grand crus of Burgundy.

Availability of Domaine des Lambrays Wines Online at 12bouteilles.com

Today, wine lovers can easily access the prestigious wines of Domaine des Lambrays thanks to 12bouteilles.com, an online store specializing in grand crus and rare wines. This platform offers a wide selection of vintages of Clos des Lambrays as well as other cuvées from the estate. With its premium service, 12bouteilles.com guarantees fast and secure delivery, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy these exceptional wines under the best conditions.

FAQ: Domaine des Lambrays

What are the most famous wines of Domaine des Lambrays? The most famous wine is undoubtedly the Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru, an exceptional red wine made from the Pinot Noir grape. The estate also produces a white wine in smaller quantities.

What is the best vintage of Clos des Lambrays? Many vintages of Clos des Lambrays are highly appreciated. Among the most remarkable are the 2010, 2012, and 2015 vintages, which have received praise from critics.

How should one taste a wine from Domaine des Lambrays? The estate's red wines benefit from decanting before tasting to reveal all their aromatic complexity. They are ideally enjoyed with red meats, game, or aged cheeses.

What is the aging potential of Domaine des Lambrays wines? The wines of Clos des Lambrays have great aging potential, able to age from 10 to 30 years depending on the vintage.

How can I buy Domaine des Lambrays wines online? Domaine des Lambrays wines are available on 12bouteilles.com, a platform dedicated to grand crus and rare wines.

Why is Clos des Lambrays considered a grand cru? Clos des Lambrays benefits from an exceptional terroir and centuries-old know-how, which earned it its classification as a Grand Cru in 1981. It combines finesse, complexity, and aging potential, characteristics of the best Burgundy wines.

Conclusion

Domaine des Lambrays is undoubtedly one of the essential references of Burgundy wines. With its unique terroir and historical know-how, it offers exceptional wines that delight enthusiasts around the world. Thanks to 12bouteilles.com, it is now possible to savor these viticultural treasures directly at home, in just a few clicks.